They're already setting the tables in the Barcelona suite of the five-star Eurostars Madrid Tower hotel, where Bayern hope to toast a superb season in style in the small hours of Sunday morning. An array of VIP guests, partners and almost the entire staff of Germany's most successful club will be there, but Louis van Gaal and his men still have to secure the main party attraction: the Champions League trophy.

"The cup final in Berlin was a massive evening, but I think it'll be an even bigger evening here," declared Bastian Schweinsteiger on the eve of the elite European showdown against Internazionale Milano. "We all know we can make history. We're all desperate to get on with the game and win it," the midfielder told the pre-match news conference, making no secret of Bayern's utter determination to triumph.

Two evenly-matched teams

Saturday evening's encounter pits the German double winners against their Italian counterparts, teams who have dominated their domestic seasons. However, only one can join the elite ranks of just five clubs who have previously completed the treble. "I'm sure the team will do everything in their power to achieve this historic outcome," said FCB chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. No Bayern team has won the treble before, "and it's not as if we haven't been successful in recent decades," Rummenigge continued.

Van Gaal and his men could write a new chapter in the Munich club's history on 22 May 2010, but Inter could win a maiden treble too. "It's between evenly-matched teams, and both are utterly determined," mused Rummenigge, who still feels Bayern have a slight edge: "I think we have unbelievable passion, especially this season. I hope it's enough."

Van Gaal's attacking tactics

However, passion alone will not tip the match one way or the other. "It could be the smallest things, a foul or a throw-in," said captain Mark van Bommel. But refereeing decisions and form on the day could also prove crucial, and to win major trophies, "you always need a bit of luck."

Van Bommel expects a tight battle. "If one team goes a goal up, it'll be difficult for the other to come back." Van Gaal announced he would stay true to his principles, even in the final. "My philosophy includes entertaining the crowd, so we have to attack." The boss is without the world-class skills of Franck Ribéry, as the France star is suspended and will watch from the stands. Just as in the semi-final away to Lyon, Hamit Altintop is likely to deputise in what will otherwise be a full-strength line-up.

Chasing a fifth star

The biggest unanswered question concerns Inter's approach to the game, as dictated by their eccentric but eminently successful coach. "José Mourinho is known for liking his teams to play on the break from a solid defensive platform," commented Jörg Butt. The Italians certainly boast a superb back four with former FCB man Lucio in commanding form, but they are no slouches in attack either, with proven goalscorers Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito, and Arjen Robben's personal friend Wesley Snejder.

Both Bayern and Inter are just a win away from the treble, but only one can hoist the famous trophy on Saturday night. "I'm optimistic and don't believe we'll lose," said FCB President Uli Hoeneß, "but even if we did, it would take nothing away from this season. Where we've got to in terms of exuberance, passion and entertainment for the crowd, but also our turnover in merchandising, new sponsors and a new revenue record, is unbelievable." Nevertheless, Bayern would be only too delighted to add a fifth winners' star to their smart Champions League jerseys.

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